I’ve said many times that:
In the Gospels we see Christ reserving His harshest judgment for those who are most judgmental.
And, there is truth in that.
In Matthew 23, Jesus speaks blistering words of rebuke against the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. His seven words of woe in Matthew 23 highlight their gracelessness, their legalism, their judgmentalism, their lack of compassion, their externalism, their works’ righteousness, their self-righteousness.
“They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them” (Matt. 23:4).
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matt. 23:23).
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matt. 23:25).
Yes, Jesus reserves His harshest words for judgmental, legalistic, self-righteous people who focus on external appearance and rule-keeping, and remain blind to their sin.
Yet…The Parable of the Self-Righteous Son
Yet, in Luke 15, Jesus
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